Eight Ways To Ensure Your Car Lasts

Although many consumers have been trending towards leasing over buying, here's a helpful guide for the few that have decided to play for keeps.

Owning a car is a big deal but taking proper care of it is an even bigger deal. For example, I recently saw what appeared to be a 2009 or later Infiniti FX smoking wildly. I could not believe my eyes and nose as I saw the FX billowing out smoke like it was at a burnt out teacher's convention. I felt sorry for that car.

Regardless, leasee or buyer alike, make sure to take a detailed look at the eight steps listed by our friends over at Ridelust.

You didn't think this car with over 400,000 miles was a coincidence, did you?

What was the most mileage you ever got out of one of your vehicle and what did you do to make it happen?

Next to buying a house, buying a car is generally the second biggest purchase most people will make in their lives. With the economy limping along to slow recovery, most people are keeping cars longer and putting off service as much as possible. Ultimately, that’s a bad idea; like the saying goes, “you can pay me now or you can pay me later”. If you’re one of the millions currently unemployed or underemployed, you want to know how you can make your car last. Sadly, there’s no such thing as a free lunch, but following the tips below will help you keep your car running without having to shell out for major repairs.

I’ll start by assuming that you’re driving a car in good shape. If you’ve been putting off service for years, it’s already too late. Sooner or later, something will fail, and it will probably be expensive. Those are the odds you’re playing when you try to avoid basic upkeep on a vehicle.

In no particular order of importance (since they’re all important), here are eight things you should do to ensure that your car has a long and happy lifespan...

[Source: Ridelust]

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monster - 6/13/2010 7:28:30 PM

+1 Boost

I almost stopped reading the article when it stated choose brand name gas. This is the most retarded advice ever.

rxh8me9000 - 6/13/2010 10:31:47 PM

+1 Boost

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Since the minimum additive performance standards were first established by EPA in 1995, most gasoline marketers have actually reduced the concentration level of detergent additive in their gasoline by up to 50%. As a result, the ability of a vehicle to maintain stringent Tier 2 emission standards have been hampered, leading to engine deposits which can have a big impact on in-use emissions and driver satisfaction.

These automakers have raised the bar. TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline help drivers avoid lower quality gasoline which can leave deposits on critical engine parts, which reduces engine performance. That?s something both drivers and automakers want to avoid.

Over the past several years, the minimum level of detergent additive required by the EPA has declined by an estimated 50%.

http://www.toptiergas.com/

t_bone - 6/13/2010 7:57:27 PM

+1 Boost

IMHO in addition to the mechanical stuff it's actually the paint and interior where the owner can make a big difference. Things like treating all the rubber seals and dashboard with UV protectant, keeping the carpet clean, the leather treated so it won't crack, and waxing a couple times a year.

uaw_lax - 6/14/2010 1:42:23 AM

+2 Boost

This is the quickest way to kill yourself and your wife.